I was about to sit down and write my blog, as usual, when the phone rang. It was my mother calling, and she had just discovered that she couldn’t walk without extreme pain. Needless to say, Mom went to the hospital by ambulance and I met her there. The bottomline is that she will need a hip replacement–her second–pronto. Actual surgery hasn’t been scheduled, but could be as soon as today. Tomorrow, possibly. We would appreciate your prayers, good wishes, white light, and/or smoke signals. I’ll keep you posted.

Of course a health challenge in the family wreaks havoc on writing schedules, but I am determined to work steadily on “A Creed in Stone Creek” this week. I love this book so much, love the characters and the situation and my fictional Arizona town. Did I ever tell you that I intended “The Man from Stone Creek” to be a stand-alone novel? The best-laid plans of mice, men and novelists.

The weather is simply glorious today, sunny and blue-skied. In a little while, I’ll water my container garden on the back deck. A few days ago, I enjoyed the first small zuchinis cooked with a little Pam spray and some water–delicious. Maybe more so, I admit, because I grew them. I can’t help thinking what a miracle it is, a plant producing something so distinctive as a tomato (soon) or a strawberry (also soon) or squash, in such a short period of time. I fail to understand how people can witness such astounding things–never mind the formation of complete human beings in a mere 9 months–and not believe in God. How, I ask, could there NOT be a God?

I took time for art this weekend–it soothes my soul and allows my storyteller brain to do its idea-weaving thing without conscious interference–making some ATCs (artist trading cards) for various swaps.

What I’m listening to: “Must You Go?” by Antonia Fraser, a memoir of her life with playwright Harold Pinter. It’s a very romantic story, with plenty of scandal. Also purchased “The Time Weaver”, by Shana Abe, in actual book form. (Plus the latest magazines from Stampington and Co., producers of my favorite art publications) I do love time travel stories if they’re well executed–we shall see. It’s a very interesting concept, anyway.

I continue to eat in the prescribed way, and I have lost 14 pounds in 2 weeks. Not bad. And although I do wear nicotine patches, I haven’t smoked since June 23, 2009, and I don’t intend to, ever again. I’m feeling steadily better and stronger, with every passing day.